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New Canaan Board Approves Infrastructure Investments

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 18:44 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

NEW CANAAN, CT - February 24, 2026 - The New Canaan Board of Selectmen convened on Monday evening to address a range of municipal matters, from approving critical infrastructure investments to recognizing employee achievements and outlining key community events. The meeting highlighted the town's ongoing commitment to providing essential services while fostering a vibrant community spirit.

Investing in New Canaan: Approving Key Purchase Orders

The Board authorized a total of $64,000+ in purchase orders, demonstrating a proactive approach to maintaining and upgrading town facilities and services. A significant portion of this funding - $21,860 - has been allocated towards the purchase of a new school bus for elementary school students. Selectman Liz Rappaport rightly pointed to the need for optimizing bus routes alongside the acquisition of the new vehicle. This suggests an intention to improve efficiency and potentially expand access to transportation for students. Efficient routing not only reduces costs but also minimizes the environmental impact, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

Beyond transportation, the Board also greenlit $13,444 for software licenses for the Parks and Recreation Department. In today's digital age, modern software is crucial for effective management of recreational programs, resident registration, and overall department efficiency. This investment will likely streamline operations, improve service delivery, and potentially offer residents more convenient access to recreational opportunities through online portals and booking systems. The $29,100 allocated to renovate the Police Department's records room is equally important, ensuring the secure and organized storage of vital law enforcement data. Maintaining the integrity of these records is paramount for effective policing and legal proceedings. Finally, a $5,811 purchase order for the town's recycling program reaffirms New Canaan's commitment to environmental stewardship. Funding for recycling initiatives is crucial to encourage participation and reduce landfill waste.

Recognizing Dedication: Promotions Within Town Government

The Board took time to formally acknowledge the professional growth of several dedicated town employees. Michael J. Hencke's promotion to Town Clerk from Town Clerk's Assistant is a testament to his demonstrated competence and reliability. The Town Clerk plays a vital role in maintaining official records and ensuring the smooth functioning of town government. The promotion of Frank Reed to Director of Recreation, Parks and Community Affairs expands his responsibilities, signifying a recognition of his leadership in fostering community engagement. This suggests the town is increasingly integrating recreation, park maintenance, and community initiatives under a single umbrella for greater synergy and impact. The advancement of Lt. Jon Ferraro to Captain within the Police Department represents a vote of confidence in his leadership abilities and commitment to public safety. Selectman Danielle Wharton aptly summarized the sentiment, emphasizing the "incredible things" achieved by these dedicated public servants. These promotions are a positive sign of internal talent development and commitment to building a strong and capable town workforce.

Looking Ahead: Key Community Events and Public Hearings

The Board also previewed several upcoming events designed to bring residents together and provide opportunities for civic participation. The First Selectman's "Coffee With the Town" event, scheduled for February 29th at the New Canaan Nature Center, offers a valuable informal forum for residents to connect with town leadership and voice their concerns. These types of events demonstrate a commitment to transparency and open communication. More significantly, the Board announced a Public Hearing on April 8th concerning a proposed new cell tower. This is likely to be a contentious issue, as cell tower construction often sparks debate regarding aesthetics, potential health concerns, and property values. Public hearings are critical to ensure that residents have a voice in decisions that impact their community.

Furthermore, the Board briefly mentioned preparations for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade and the town's participation in the Memorial Day parade. These traditional events underscore New Canaan's strong sense of community and its commitment to honoring local traditions and remembering those who have served the nation. The combination of infrastructure improvements, personnel recognition, and community engagement initiatives paints a picture of a town actively working to improve the quality of life for its residents and secure a positive future.